Socialist People's Party (Norway)

The Socialist People's Party (Sosialistisk Folkeparti, SF) was a political party in Norway that existed from 1961 to 1975. It was formed by individuals who broke away from the Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) due to disagreements over Norway's NATO membership and domestic policies.

The SF advocated for a more neutral foreign policy, opposing Norway's alignment with the Western bloc during the Cold War. They also criticized the Labour Party's perceived shift towards the right and its embrace of market-oriented policies. Domestically, the SF championed socialist ideals, including greater economic equality and public control over key industries.

A defining moment for the SF was its role in preventing the Labour Party from achieving a parliamentary majority in the 1961 election. The SF's electoral gains forced the Labour Party to rely on support from other parties to form a government.

Throughout its existence, the SF played a significant role in Norwegian politics, influencing debates on foreign policy, social welfare, and economic development. However, internal divisions and strategic disagreements ultimately led to the party's dissolution in 1975. The SF merged with other socialist and communist parties to form the Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti, SV), which continues to be a major force on the Norwegian left today. Key figures associated with the Socialist People's Party included Finn Gustavsen, who served as its leader for much of its existence.